Page 53 of Griffin

Like the time at a networking event where I met other streamers after the whole mess with Shawn last year. Todd had hovered, stepping in whenever he thought someone was getting too pushy or overly familiar.

I appreciated his protectiveness, but it could get suffocating. And I wanted today to go smoothly.

“Hey,” I said, trying to lighten the mood with a grin. “It’s probably packed since it’s close to lunchtime. Just park, and I’ll grab us a table. I’ll even order you something nice. By the time you get there, a plate’ll already be waiting for you.”

Griffin glanced at the rearview mirror, his fingers tightening briefly on the gear shift when a car honked behind us. He clearly wasn’t thrilled, but he didn’t argue.

“Just get me whatever you’re having,” he muttered.

I laughed. “You sure? You know I’m going for the greasiest thing on the menu.”

“Whatever,” he said, but the corner of his mouth twitched into a barely-there smile.

I watched until he drove toward the street I’d pointed out, then headed into the burger joint where Todd was waiting.

The warm scent of grilled meat and fries hit me immediately, comforting yet overwhelming as my stomach churned with nerves.

This wasn’t where I’d have chosen to meet, but Todd had insisted—close to his place, convenient for him. After everything I’d put him through, I didn’t push back.

The place was a mix of families, couples, and the occasional lone diner. I scanned the room until I spotted him—Todd sitting in the corner by the window.

He was already watching me, posture casual but his expression unreadable. He stood as I approached, gesturing to the chair across from him.

“Sit,” he said, his tone brisk but controlled.

I felt a flicker of unease. Was he angry? Disappointed? Hurt?

I slid into the seat and forced myself to meet his gaze. His expression gave nothing away.

The waiter appeared just then, and without thinking, I ordered two meals.

“Someone’s hungry,” Todd remarked, his voice flat.

Crap. I didn’t want him to find out this way.

I forced a laugh, scrambling to recover. “Oh, uh, it’s not all for me. I brought someone with me. You don’t mind, do you?”

Something flickered across his face—irritation?

It was gone so fast I almost wondered if I imagined it. His smile returned, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Do I know them?” His voice was calm, yet there was an edge to it.

“No,” I said too quickly, the word rushing out as I pasted on a smile. “I met him in... well...”

“Wherever you were hiding out from your stalker?”

The air seemed to go still. I froze, caught between denial and panic. “What?”

Todd leaned back slightly, his gaze never wavering. “Come on, Michael. Did you really think I wouldn’t notice? The sudden trip, the way you’ve been acting...” He shook his head. “I put two and two together.”

My first instinct was to deny it, brush it off as a coincidence or a lucky guess. But then I really looked at him—saw the exhaustion etched into his face, the hollow look in his eyes.

He didn’t look good. He looked worn down. After all, I had left him to pick up the pieces when I skipped town.

I grabbed my water, taking a long gulp to buy some time. When I set it down, Todd reached across the table, his hand covering mine.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice gentler now. “I’m not mad. I get it. You panicked. But you should’ve told me. We could’ve handled this together.”

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